11 Good Things with improv performer, producer and instructor Madeline Evans 

In this series, ArtsATL asks a member of the Atlanta arts community to share 11 things on their mind. We hope you enjoy getting to know these people better.

Madeline Evans is an Atlanta improv performer, producer and instructor. With 15+ years of improv experience, she runs her own program (MadsJoy) to empower people to chase joy. She has produced shows such as Road Trip Improv, Mads Mixer, No Alibi and PromProv, and her recent performance credits include Invasion Christmas Carol, Character Showcase Finalist, ATL Fringe and West End Comedy Fest. 

Here, in no particular order, are her 11 Good Things. 

1. Smoothies. I got a Nutribullet, and it became my personality for a hot minute. Nothing like the thought of a smoothie to get me through the day.

2. Overcast days and sunny, chilly days. So basically, fall or winter weather. I love looking at and collecting colorful leaves with the reminder that even beautiful leaves change through seasons and nothing is permanent — just like us. I also love to look at bare branches under a beautifully colored sky. Oh, and sunsets.

3. The eight-minute commercial at the Coca-Cola museum. I cry every time. I go every year and could be happy for days just because I watched a commercial that embodies togetherness and joy. As a marketer, it perfectly integrates the product with the happiest occasions … and I love people, so I am a sucker for it all.

4. Marching bands and parades. I was a Redcoat at UGA. There’s nothing like being in the marching band surrounded by the most talented, enthusiastic people. The energy is infectious and the ability to be whoever you are, knowing you’ll have a family of misfits surrounding you, is special. Go Dawgs!

5. Dragon Con. Talk about a place where everyone can be their authentic self and be celebrated for it. For five days, the world stops and becomes the best vacation/party — and it’s right in our backyard! You get to be whoever you want to be, and everyone is excited for you … it is MAGIC. My improv puppet variety group, Edgewood Avenue, got to perform our show there, and it was a dream come true. 

6. The Atlanta Botanical Lights. They make every holiday season more cheerful. I go every year, and I got to bring my Christmas-loving mom this year as well. If you’re more of a Halloween fan, the Ghastly Dreadfuls at the Center for Puppetry Arts in October is a must!

7. Music! The band The 502s is my favorite band, and they’ve coined the title “the happiest band on Earth.” I fell in love with them in 2020, and now I see them every time they’re in town. 

8. The Broadway Rave that comes into town because they play musical songs (without mixing them) so it’s just a giant party singing along and dancing to your favorite songs with fellow nerds. It’s heavenly.

9. Improv. I host an improv murder mystery show (No Alibi) as well as an improv based on storytelling show (Road Trip) where I feature guest storytellers. I also teach improv, and it’s amazing to see my students find their own sparks through friendships, communities and shows. Follow @madsimprov if you’re interested in exploring that world, or visit MadsJoy.me.

10. How anyone you meet can become a potential friend. Just smiling at someone can make their day. I met a woman named Ms. Love and she made me feel all the love in just two minutes of interacting — how cool is that?

11. LOVE! It’s all around — which is why I wrote a solo show called Always the Goat, happening at Dad’s Garage Theatre every Thursday at 8 p.m. in February. It’s a sleepover-themed show where I combine my stand-up, solo sketch, improv skills and diary entries to make a heartfelt, silly show all about love. You’re invited, so let’s find joy and feel seen together.